Implementation of 1970 Defense Procurement Authorization Act Requiring Relationship Of Research To Specific Military Functions

GAO reviewed the implementation by the Department of Defense of section 203 of the Defense Procurement Authorization Act, Public Law 91-121, which limits the use of fiscal year 1970 research funds by the Department to only those projects which have a "direct and apparent relationship to a specific military function or operation." An inquiry was made concerning the disposition of Government-owned plant and equipment identified with research projects disqualified under section 203. GAO learned that actual disposition of this equipment was still uncertain. Navy and Air force officials indicated that they planned to leave the equipment until it was needed elsewhere or until a determination was made that the institutions would not obtain funding from other sources to continue the research.